Establishing Printing Presses
In contrast to Western perceptions of India, Indian presses aligned themselves with the nationalist movement, a sentiment distinctly reflected in their work.
As part of creating a visual identity unique to India, Raja Ravi Varma established the Ravi Varma Press in Bombay in 1894. Postcards from this press included popular lithographs, hand-stencilled work on photographs and paintings of mythological figures. While picture postcards provided closer connections to loved ones, it also gave access to previously unattainable prints of paintings and photographs, commencing a global exchange of Indian art between people's homes.
Embellished Postcards
Have you ever played around with glitter and sequins? Stuck them onto sheets and dusted them off, to reveal a design shaped by your glue? Embellished postcards are not much different. After purchasing printed postcards, women embellished them by hand at home or at the press, making them stand out among thousands of mass produced prints.
This trend was initiated by the Ravi Varma Press, where images of gods and goddesses were enhanced. Travelling up north from Maharashtra to Karachi, SS Brijbasi & Sons sold devotional prints in the Nathdwara style. Worshippers found a way to immortalise their gods, adorning them as they would a temple deity, with colourful garments and pretty jewellery.
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